FR2621025A1 - APPARATUS FOR BENDING SHEET MATERIALS - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for folding a flexible sheet material characterized in that it comprises several sheet contacting elements located longitudinally in line 1a-23a, each of which can be moved by pivoting in a controllable manner around an axis of rotation so as to collectively pivot a sheet 102 around its creasing line, said contactors being controlled so that they move according to successive sinuous waves and forming assemblies including a sheet feeding assembly 121, a set of 'removal of sheets 123, and an intermediate assembly 122, all the contactors of the various assemblies being arranged so as to have a fixed "rest" position from which they move under the influence of a control device 1b- 23b, the contactors move individually by turning and pass through various angles from their respective rest position to come into contact with the sheet and the to fold.

Description

The present invention: APPARATUS FOR PLYING MATERIALS AND SHEETS

relates to a relative process

  folding cardboard sheets and other materials in -

  flexible sheets, especially for folding

  corrugated cardboard along a pre-creasing liana

  trained in the manufacture of boxes and other containers

darns the art of packaging.

  We know how to pass a sheet of cardboard, etc., through a machine that folds the sheet. The

  U.S. Patent N'4,614,512, for example, describes a dis-

  positive in which a cut sheet is passed through and between folding elements consisting of

  a pair of fixed spiral bars yes bend the ends

  sides of the sheet from above passing through a su-

  less than 90. US Patent Ne 4,624,653 describes a device in which a cardboard box is constructed, and in doing so, a corner flap is progressively folded between a longitudinal row of rollers and a spiral row of tapered rollers which curve the flap . Rollers are fixedly mounted on elements

appropriate guidance.

  Known devices, such as those which are specific

  specifically mentioned above, cause a gradual curvature of the sheet between its conductive edge and its trailing edge, twisting it undesirably from its normal flat state during folding. In addition,

  the folding device approaches the conductive edge of the sheet

  in such a way that the edge is forcibly pushed by the device in a direction opposite to the path that the sheet would normally take, thus subjecting the edge

to wear and tear.

  -Other known devices (US.1 096633, US.1 444 347.

  US.2 986 078, US.4 252 692) use the folding mechanism

  with timing belts carrying projections.

  Other undesirable tension forces have also

  clearly manifested on the driver's side.

  The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages

  above mentioned as well as others who are

  inherent in known devices. It also has the ob-

  jet to provide a new sheet folding handling mode that effectively eliminates distortion of moving sheets while eliminating contact with their conductive edges that could damage them. She

  still has the purpose of handling a number of sheets

  them efficiently, albeit quickly. from the beginning to the end of the folding cycle and following them any

3 2621025

which arc desired.

  According to the various aspects of the invention, it is

  supplied several sheet contactor elements in se-

  longitudinal rie, which can all move in an adjustable way so as to collectively pivot a sheet around its rairnage line Contactors

  are controlled so that they have an undulating action

  successive te. In addition, the contactors are formed into assemblies including a sheet feeding assembly.

  and a set of leaf removal, and in the pre-

  feels an embodiment, an intermediate assembly is

arranged between them.

  All the contactors in the various assemblies are arranged so as to have a fixed preset or "rest" position from which they move. Under the influence of a control device, the contactors individually and, in this embodiment,

  so as to pivot, move at different angles

  from their respective rest positions for

  come into contact with the sheet and fold it. The displacement

  differential angular cement of each contactor is such

  that it is positioned at a point which corresponds to the posi-

  rest position of the contactor immediately following it

  downstream. Thus, the conducting edge of a sheet progresses-

  from a contactor station to the next downstream station does not

  ra not subject to lateral distortion. In addition, the con-

  tactor and sheet positions are coordinated so that any group of contactors in contact with the sheet at any given time in the cycle

  be arranged in a straight line. The result is that the leaf-

  the is only subjected to bending forces in a straight line

  along the entire length of the part to be folded, by the con-

4 2621025

  tactor which pivots, without there being essentially

tension and / or distortion.

  The entire sheet feed contactor

  the is such that each contactor has the same normally horizontal rest position or 0. However, the de-

  maximum angular placement of each power contactor

  successive downstream increases incrementally-

  from the maximum angular displacement of the contact

  tor immediately preceding it. The synchronization is such

  that an entire sheet is taken care of by the whole

  ble power switch as soon as it comes into contact

  trer in the set immediately downstream before

  the power switches do not begin to rotate.

  Rotation begins simultaneously, all contacts

  feeders initially pivoting together from the same

  angle, thus bringing the part of sheets to be folded in

  a straight line parallel to the crease line.

  In the present embodiment, the contactors of the neighboring downstream assembly or intermediate assembly have

  angular rest positions increasing gradually-

  ment, the most upstream contactor of this assembly having a rest position corresponding or parallel to the entry angle of the sheet when the conducting edge of the

  sheet begins to leave the feed assembly. This-

  action continues gradually from contactor to contactor as the sheet moves

  prcrressijerrert en aïa] since the

  maximum angular ment of each successive contactor of

  the intermediate assembly also increases in a different way

  from the maximum angular displacement of the contactor which immediately precedes it. Contactors that "fall" behind the trailing edge of the foil

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  displacement return to their rest position. Do not

  at what point in time, the whole group of cortartors that are in contact with the leaf are in the same angular position. Thus, the part of the sheet which is folded continues to rotate in a contact in a straight line under the action of the contactors and around the cutting line.

  The sheet removal contactor assembly

  also has increased angular rest positions

  both progressively, the most upstream contactor having

  a rest position corresponding to or parallel to the year

  entry gle of the sheet when the conductive edge of the sheet begins to leave the closest upstream assembly and the intermediate assembly. As with the intermediate assembly, this action continues progressively downstream, the whole group of contactors coming into contact

  with the sheet being in the same angular position. This-

  during, the last number of contactors corresponding to the number of contactors in the supply assembly and corresponding to the length of an entire sheet, have

  a constant maximum usable angle, to take charge of

  age the leaf in a straight line when the leaf reaches

  its maximum angular position, like 90 and actually

than 180c.

  Changing the angle of the contactor from the rest position to the maximum position, for the

  whole cycle, is as follows: change of angle

  health in the power supply, angle change

  constant in the intermediate set and finally change-

  decreasing angle in the removal assembly

  which corresponds upside down to the power supply.

  In the present embodiment, the contacts

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  torques constitute freewheel rollers which are

  tees on fasteners, the rollers having defined axes

  ness the various rest positions and other posi-

  angular tions. The fasteners are connected to lever arms which, in turn, can pivot around a

  axis closely adjacent and parallel to the line of Tr.a-

  leaf age. The device for positioning and moving

  cer rollers includes a shaft that can rotate and carrying several cams which define the different positions

  "rest" and angular positions of the rollers. The posi-

  the shaft and cams are coordinated with the

  sheet positions by appropriate command.

  The attached drawings show the best mode ac-

  considered by the inventor to carry out the invention

tion.

  In the drawings: FIGURE 1 is a schematic plan view taken from above of a machine for folding cardboard sheets, etc., and incorporating the various aspects of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 and showing station 1; FIGURE 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 and showing station 6; FIGURE 4 is a cross section taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, and showing station 7, solid lines indicating the rest position of the roller; FIGURE 5 is a cross section taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 1, and showing station 18; FIGURE 6 is a cross-section taken along the same line as FIGURE 4, and showing station 7 with the roller in its position of maximum rotation;

  FIGURE 7 is a cam profile showing the con-

7 2 6 2 2621025

  figurations and positions of the cams for stations 1 to 5;

  FIGURE 8 is a cam profile showing the con-

  figurations and positions of the cams for stations 6 to 18; FIGURE 9 is a cam profile showing the configurations and positions of cams for stations 19 to 23; FIGURE 10 is a table showing the various angular positions of the contactors for a machine cycle; FIGURE 11 is a table of synchronization of the roll cycles during the folding of a sheet; FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of a station in which the roller can be rotated beyond 90c; and FIGURE 13 is a schematic view of another

form of means of control.

  As best seen in the diagrammatic figure

  as 1, a machine 101 is adapted to fold several initially flat horizontal sheets 102 which have been

  previously treated in advance by an appropriate device

  prayed, not shown, and moving continuously

  downstream in the longitudinal direction. The machine 101 in-

  usually includes a frame 103 which carries rollers

  input and output drive 104, 105, respectively-

  is lying. on which are mounted endless belts, 106, etc., which form a conveyor 107 for carrying the sheets 102. The conveyor 107 is driven by a motor

  107a. Another motor 108 at the upstream end of the ma-

  china is connected so as to drive by rotating it

  ner a camshaft 109 with suitable bearing surfaces which in turn extends longitudinally along the side of the

262 1,025

conveyor 107.

  Several sheet folding stations 1 to 23

  are spaced longitudinally along the camshaft

  mes 109 and are adapted to provide a controlled means for folding the sheets around a line of reel]

  which is preformed there and which is arranged along a guide

  longitudinal leaf folding or shoe 111. For this purpose, as best seen in Figure 2, each station includes an L-shaped lever arm whose vertical end portion is mounted so as to pivot about a longitudinal rotation shaft 113 which forms a folding axis disposed directly below and as close as possible to the line of 110 and

  thus from the edge of the shoe 111. The narrow mounting of the rear

  bre 113 facilitates firm engagement of the sheet by the device to be described. The lower part of the

  lever arm 112 normally extends generally

  rale horizontally and laterally outward to

  from the machine, and furthermore is supported by a dis-

  control positive 114 which extends down across

  an appropriate guide 115 for engagement with aEC cs-

  ne mounted on a camshaft 109. The cams mounted on the commum shaft 109 are numbered in FIGURE 1 by lb to 23b, corresponding to the particular stations 1 to

  23, and also have cam lobes numbered lc to 23c.

  The outer end of the lever arm 112 carries a sheet contacting element, called a contactor, which in the present embodiment includes a roller

  which is mounted so that it can rotate on a suitable axis

  required 116 which defines an axis of rotation and which is mounted on a bearing 117. The rollers are numbered in the

  FIGURE 1 by la to 23a, corresponding to the particular positions

  links 1 to 23 and cams lb to 23b. At stations 1 to 6, represented by FIGURES 2 and 3, the end of the arm

  lever 2 is fixed directly to the bearing 117, com-

  by welds 118. At the remaining stations, such as stations 7 and 8 shown in FIGURES 4 and 5 respectively, a clip 119 on the outside of the arm

  lever connects the lever arm 112 to the bearing 117.

  Fasteners 119 for the lever arms at stations 7 to

  23 are each individually formed with a long

  variable heat and geometry so as to position

  the respective axis and shaft of the roller and the roller itself

  even, at a progressively increasing angle to the horizontal, in a downstream direction. At all stations, a return spring 120 is connected between the frame of the machine 103 and the lever arm 112

  to tilt the latter against the control device

  114, so that the latter is in turn inclined con

  be its respective cam lb-23b. This serves to maintain complete angular control of the rollers la-23a by their

respective cams.

  Returning to FIGURE 1, the series of items

  1-23 is divided into a number of sets, except

  see: a sheet feeder 121, in

  the present embodiment an intermediate set

  re 122, and a set for removing sheets 123.

  In any given operation, each sheet 102 will have a length corresponding to a given number of stations, and the series of sheets moving

  will be spaced from a number of posts. In the pasture-

  For example, a sheet 102 is shown as having 6 posts in length, with equal spacing between the sheets of 4 posts, which makes a total of 10 posts.

262

  between the corresponding parts (such as the conduc-

  teurs) of successive adjacent leaves.

  For purposes which are to be described, the set of ali-

  mentation in sheets 121 at a length which is not in-

  shorter than the length of a sheet arriving 102. Thus, in the present example sheet 102 having 6 stations of

  length, the assembly 121 includes stations 1 to 6. Similarly

  me, the intermediate assembly 122 includes the items 7 to 18, while the removal assembly 123 includes the

items 18 to 23.

  This detailed example is based on the folding of a sheet part 102 from 0 (horizontal) to

  maximum of 90 in increments of 5.

  According to the various aspects of the invention, the rou-

  contactor la-23a, are initially provided with a fixed pre-assembly or a "rest" position from

  which they are moving. This position is natural-

  ment in correlation with the axes defined by the roller shafts 116. The rest position is determined by the particular angular configuration of the fasteners 120

  at posts 7-23, or the lack of ties at posts 1-6.

  In the present example, the roller has the position

  rest for all posts 1-6 (power supply

  tion 121) is common to all and is 0, or horizontal.

  See FIGURE 1 as well as the solid line drawings of FIGURES 2 (station 1) and 3 (station 6); and also columns A and B of the table in FIGURE 10. The roller

  in the rest position for positions 7-18 (inter-

  middle 122) starts with 5 for roll 7, and ends

  incrementally increases in stages from 5 to 60

  at station 18. The roller in the rest position for the pos-

  tes 19-23 (removal set 123) starts with 65 il

  for roller 19, and increases in a differential manner-

  the in stages from 5 to 85 for the rest position

from roller 23a to station 23.

  Synchronization, maximum importance and inter-

  effective valle of displacement along an arc of all the rollers la-23a from their rest position for folding the sheets is determined by a control means, which in the embodiment presented, includes

  the cams lb-23b, the shape of their respective lobes lc-

  23c, the position of rotation of the cams on the camshaft

  my 109, and other factors. Note the schematic representation of the cams, including the shape and position,

  in FIGURE 1, as well as the position L1 between the

  supply and intermediate seeds 121 and 122, location

  at which a sensor 125 detects the position of the leading edge

  tor 124 of the introduced sheet. In FIGURE 1, the angular positions of the cams lb-23b are observed when

  the conductive edge 124 of the sheet is in position L1.

  In this example, a 360C revolution of the camshaft 109 is equivalent to the linear movement of the sheet of 10 stations. In other words, each roll finishes a

  cycle for each revolution of the camshaft. The leaf-

  the moves the length of a roll post to

  36 of rotation of the camshaft. The cams counter

  swing each other so that you can rotate everything

  being separated from each other by 36 '.

  FIGURE 7 is a cam profile for the cams

  my lb-5b from items 1-5. Each of the cams is different.

  Each of the concentric circles represents a dimension

  lobe sion on the cam which turns a roller on its axis by an angle of 5. The cams in this FIGURE are

  presented in the position corresponding to the conduc-

  teurs 124 of the sheet when it is in position L1. The rotation in the direction of the arrow of the lobe Ic on the cam lb rotates the axis of the roller la from its rest position from 0 to the horizontal of 5, then does

  return to its rest position. See the table of the FI-

  GURE 10 and the on the synchronization table of the FI-

  GURE 11. The cam lobe 2c on the cam 2b is presented as containing the original lobe lc plus an extension of the lobe lc presented in dotted lines. The entire lobe 2c rotates the axis of the roller 2a continuously from its horizontal rest position to 0 to 5 and up to 10 and then returns the roller 2a to its rest position. See the table in FIGURE 10 and 2a on the synchronization table in FIGURE 11. Each successive lobe, up to lobe 5c, contains the original lc lc to which is added another

  another extension of the previous lobes; doing so

  ner the respective roll of additional 5 each time the sheet 102 moves the length of one

post.

  FIGURE 8 shows a similar cam profile for cams 6b-18b, the outline of these being identical to each other in this case. The angular orientation of the solid line cam is where the cam 6b would be when the conductive edge 124 is in position L1. Thus, the orientation of the cams 1b to 5b of FIGURE 7

  and of cam 6b of FIGURE 8 (power supply assembly

  tion 121) is such that it connects them to each other in relation to position L1. Cams 7b to 18b are oriented differently from cam 6b. At point L1, the entire assembly 121 of the cams lb-6b simultaneously rotates from 36 in the direction of the arrows, increasing the angle of the axes of the rollers la6a to 5. Thus, the entire part of the sheet 102 to be folded will initially be folded upwards by 5 along a straight longitudinal line, without any force of curvature or distortion being exerted on the rest of the sheet. The reason why we don't start by folding

  sheet 102 upward until it is full

  received in the feed assembly 121 is that we wish to free the sheet from the effects of any machinery

upstream processing.

  The axis of the roller 7a has a rest position of 5.

  When the conductive edge 104 enters the station 7, the sheet 102 has previously been raised by the same angle of 5 by the rollers la-6a, so that, again, there are no bending or distortion forces on the sheet that moves downstream. The trailing edge of the sheet is upstream beyond the roller 1a. The cam 1b then causes the roller 1a to drop from its maximum axis from to the original rest position of 0, pending the next sheet. The fallout of the roller is predicted

  in time to return to the front rest position -

  the arrival of the conductive edge 124 of the following sheet

  in machine 101. This can be instantaneous or gradual.

  As sheet 102 passes through station 7 to station 8, the aligned group of rollers 2b to 7b now folds the entire sheet up 5 more (up to 10) in a straight longitudinal line parallel to the path of the sheet, with the

same resulting benefits.

  The axis of the roller 8a has a rest position of. The cam 2b then falls back, and returns the roller 2a of 10 to its rest position of 0 (see FIGURES 10 and 14 l2102 11) and likewise the rollers 3a to 8a fold the sheet 102 still 5 to 15, again , in a straight longitudinal line. And so on until the intermediate set

  122, and in fact, also through the assembly of

  vement 123. FIGURE 9 shows another cam profile for the cams 19b23b of the removal assembly 123, each having a different contour. If we refer to the columns

* B and F of the table of FIGURE 10, it should be noted that each

  that cam downstream of cam 19b causes the roller to rotate 5 less than the adjacent cam upstream,

ending with cam 23b.

  The result of this arrangement is that the sheet-

  the 102 is first of all completely positioned on the

  seems to feed 121 sheets and the rollers la-

  6a of the latter which have maximum axes which are all at 0

  to the initial rest position. The rollers la-6a rise

  then wind differently from the initial 5. At

  as a sheet 102 then progresses through

  towards the various stations, the rollers rise in pivot

  both in groups, the conductive edge 124 of the sheet is

  following rolls at ever increasing angles

  health. The sheet is raised differently by its group of folding rollers at an angle corresponding to the rest angle of the next roll, thereby eliminating damage to the conductive edge of the sheet and providing uniform force along the entire length of the part to be folded, thus ensuring a folding which precisely follows a creasing line. The rollers rise progressively in groups of 6, the upstream rollers causing the trailing edge 125 of the sheet to fall individually. All the rollers in contact with a given sheet are in exact alignment; in other words, they are parallel to each other and to the movement of the

  sheet, which is in a plane of contact with the rou-

  leaux. The lateral tension or distortion of the sheet is thus effectively eliminated. The action takes the form of a peristaltic wave

  which is best seen in the sync table

Figure 11.

  FIGURE 1 shows not only the entire sheet

  rement horizontal 102 entering the power supply

  tation 121, but also a partially folded sheet

  102a in the intermediate assembly 122, as well as a

  tie of a substantially fully folded sheet 102b

  (to 90 in this case) to the removal set 123.

  FIGURE 2 shows item 1 overall

  feed 121 with roller la and control cam

  of lb. The rest position of the roller shown in a solid line is horizontal or at Oc of the roller axis.

  intermediate, maximum angle changes and the

  angle of the roller (shown in dotted lines) are

all of 5.

  The "maximum" mentioned is the rainbow distance

  be the horizontal and the highest position of the road

  water that can be obtained with its cam. Change

  roll angle "mentioned is the range of motion

  swiveling of the arcuate roller between its rest position

and its highest position.

  FIGURE 3 shows item 6 as a whole

  feed 121 with roller 6a and cam

  request 6b. The rest position of the roller shown in line

  solid line is again horizontal or at O 'of the axis of the

  roller, as is the case with the entire power supply

16 26202

  tation. The intermediate angle of the roll for folding the sheet (shown in dotted lines) is 5, while the maximum angle and the change of angle of the roll

are both 30.

  FIGURE 4 shows item 7 in the overall set.

  intermediate 122 with the roller 7a and the control cam

  from 7b. Roll rest position shown online

  full is 5 from the horizontal. The angle in-

  end of the roller for folding the sheets (my-

  very dotted) is 10, the maximum angle of the roll obtained is 35, while the change of angle of the

roll is 30.

  FIGURE 6 shows the same position with the rou-

  the water 7a shown in full in its maximum position.

  FIGURE 5 shows item 18 as a whole

  removal 123 with the roller 18a and the control cam

  from 18b. The orientation of the cam lobe 18b, as shown, corresponds to the position o the edge

  sheet conductor reaches station 18. The posi-

  roll rest position shown in full line is main-

  taking 60 from the horizontal. The inter angle

  middle of the roller for folding the sheet (shown in dotted lines now from 65, the maximum angle of the

  roll obtained is 90, while the change of year-

Roll gle is 30.

  The table in FIGURE 10 contains the various angular relationships, not only for the positions that have just been discussed above, but for all of the positions. If we refer to the table, it should be noted that

  in the supply assembly 121 comprising the wheels

  leaux la-6a, all rollers have the same angle of re-

1 7 2 6 2621025

  pos of 0. In addition, there is a gradual increase in the maximum angle of the roller in a first interval ranging from 5 to 30, with an identical progressive increase in the change of angle of the roller. Also note from FIGURE 1 that the cams lb-6b have

different contours.

  In the table, the intermediate set 122 co.m-

  taking the rollers 7a-18a the rollers have a gradually increasing angle of rest in a second interval ranging from 5 to 60, this second interval having a limit

  greater than said first interval of the set of ali-

  121. In addition, there is a gradual increase in the maximum angle of the roller in a third interval.

  ranging from 35 to 90. In addition, there is a significant change

  so much roll angle of 30. Also note from

  FIGURE 1 that cams 7b-18b all have the same con-

tower.

  Also in the table, the removal set

  ment 123 comprising the rollers 19a-23a, the rollers have a progressively increasing rest angle in a fourth interval ranging from 65 to 80, this fourth

  interval being entirely above said second inter-

  valley of the intermediate assembly 122. In addition, there are

  a maximum constant or commum roller angle of 900.

  In addition, there is a change of angle of the pro-

  gressively decreasing in a fifth interval al-

  lant from 30 to 5. This is an inverted sequence of chan-

  gradually increasing roll angle bearings in

  said first interval in the load assembly 121.

  Also note from FIGURE 1 that the cams 19b-23b

have different contours.

  The synchronization table of FIGURE 11 pre-

  feel the sinuous peristaltic wave generated during

  continuous bending cycles of the machine rollers 101.

  The graph shows various angular displacements of the road.

  from the horizontal, which is equivalent to the folded angle of the sheets, with respect to where the conductive edge of the sheet is located at a given roll station. The diagram is not shown for all positions for the sake of clarity. Items 6-18 describe identical wave patterns, each being moved up 50 and right the length of one

  post. The curves for items 1-5 and 19-23 are uni-

  ques. As a sheet 102 progresses

  from station 6 to station 7, the line of the graph for the

  the water goes from 0 to 5, then when the leaf progresses

  from station 7 to station 8, the line returns from 5 to 0.

  The other lines of the graph have a general action-

  similar. Line F described by waveforms

  overlapping suggests the straight line folding effect

  te obtained by machine 101. In this embodiment

  The lines of the graph are in the form of a generally sawtooth wave, although it is not

  it doesn't have to be. The flat parts

  generally vertical on the graph show the consequences

  quick leaks from the trailing roller, although this does not

  need to be rushed too. The flat parts generally-

  horizontal on the graph relate to the

  when in their "rest" position. For the sake of clarity, the synchronization table also shows the rotation of the camshaft 109 by degrees,

  as well as the number of revolutions of the camshaft

  during machine operation.

  It is important to maintain control over the position of the successive sheets 102 so as to maintain overall operation correctly synchronized in the

  time. In FIGURE 1, the position of the sheet is

  sensed by the sensor 125 which correlates the information with an encoder 127 on the camshaft 109. It is possible to

  enter the combined information into a computer

  grammable 130 which, in turn, can correlate

  the speeds of the conveyor 107 and of the motor 108 do not

  you what a well known way appropriate. Instead of feeling

  125, the position of the sheet could be detected in any other known manner and at any time.

  what location, even in the milking machinery

upstream.

  Many additive constructions can be used.

  and / or alternatives without departing from the mind

various aspects of the invention.

  Although the present first embodiment basically presents the realization of a fold at 90c, the angular displacement of the fold could be greater

  or lower. FIGURE 12 shows another folding station.

  age of sheets 128 generally having a construction

  milaire to that of stations 1-23. However, in this case, the length and angle of the fastener 119 are such that the

  roller 128a rest position, shown in full line

  ne, at an angle exceeding 90. By increasing gradually-

  the rest positions, and by combining with

  appropriate positions and constructions of the various cams and cam lobes, such as 128b and 128c, the

  sheet 102 at any desired fold position

  between 90 and 180c, the latter angle appearing when

  that the sheet 102 is folded back on itself.

  FIGURE 1 shows in thin line the possibility

  incorporate a fold line on the opposite side of the line

  gene presented and described in detail. Thus, we could simultaneously make two successive folds of a blank box carton, and even with the folded parts

overlapping in the middle.

  FIGURE 13 schematically represents a system

  which, instead of using a camshaft and cams, uses

  reads wheel positioning control devices

  electric water 129 which could be electric motors

  triques or other motor means synchronized so

  suitable for rollers. In this FIGURE, the use

  leaf cement is properly detected and the in-

  desired training is entered into a computer

  grammable 130a which, in turn, would operate the various cormande devices 129 so as to obtain

the desired results.

  The machine 101 can accommodate various lengths of sheets. This is particularly true if the sensor of the conductive edge 125 is at L1 in FIGURE 1, position

  which is that of the maximum possible length of sheets

  corn. We could also accommodate lengths of film

  the shortest without changing the number of feeding stations

  mentation. It should also be noted that the machine 101 could be arranged so as to fold the sheet 102 towards the

  down instead of up. So for the ob-

  terms of the present aspects of the invention, these terms

  and similar terms are interchangeable.

  Furthermore, the shape of the mechanical cams here described

  tes is for clarification only, and other for-

  my cams could be used without deviating from

21 2621025

21 61Z

  the spirit of the aspect of the invention.

  In addition, the term "cardboard, etc." is intended to include materials in foldable sheets other than materials

  based on paper, like metallic foils.

  Furthermore, the contactor could be in a form other than that of a roller, for example in the form of a rail, etc.

  Various embodiments of the invention are included.

  considered to fall within the scope of the claims

  which follow, emphasizing in particular and distinctly claiming the material which is considered to be the invention.

Claims (14)

  1 - Apparatus for folding a sheet of cardboard (102) etc, around a creasing line (110) formed therein, said apparatus comprising, in combination: a) conveyor means (107) for moving said sheet in a generally longitudinal direction in a direction going from upstream to downstream, b) a sheet contacting means including several contactors (la-23a) disposed along said conveyor means for engaging and folding said sheet, c) said contactors being movable and having "rest" positions and further having "maximum" positions spaced from said rest positions, and d) control means (lb-23b) for moving said contactors between said position rest and maximum position.   2 - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said contactors are mounted so that you can rotate.   3 - Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said control means (la-23a) forms a group rotation means for rotating said contactors (la-23a) in several groups aligned so that as and as said sheet (102) moves along said conveyor means (107) and is engaged by a group of contactors, said group of contactors mentioned last is in parallel with said path and comes into contact with said sheet in a plane generally longitudinal. 4 - Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said aligned groups of contactors - (la-23a) form means for gradually increasing the folding angle of said sheet 23 2621025   (102) around said crease line (110) as said sheet moves down and   essentially without lateral distortion thereof.   - Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said control means (7b-23b) further forms means for pivoting at least part of said contactors (7a-23a) so that the contactors mentioned last move in rotating to an in-line position corresponding to the rest position of the contactor located downstream.   6 - Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said control means (7b-23b) further forms a means for pivoting at least part of said contactors (7a-23a) so that the contactors mentioned last move by pivoting to a line position corresponding to the   rest position of the downstream contactor.   7 - Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said control means (7b-23b) further forms a means for pivoting at least part of said contactors (7a-23a) so that the rest position of at at least some of said contactors is arranged in line and in parallel with the pivoted contactor which immediately precedes to avoid damaging the edge conductor (124) of said sheet.   8 - Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said control means (7b-23b) further forms a means for pivoting at least a portion of said contactors (7a-23a) so that the rest position of at least at least part of said contactors is arranged in line and in parallel with the group immediately preceding of pivoted contactors in order to avoid damaging the edge conductor (124) of said sheet.   9 - Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the construction is such that the conductive edge of a moving sheet (102) gradually approaches at least a portion of said contactors (7b-23b) at an angle always croissant. - Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the construction is such that the conductive edge of a moving sheet (102) gradually approaches at least a portion of said contactors (7b-23b) at an ever increasing angle . 11 - Apparatus according to any one of   claims 1,2,3,4,5,7, or 9, characterized in that   the construction is such that said contactors move between their said rest positions and the   maximum positions in a progressive sinuous wave.   12 - Apparatus according to any one of   claims 1,2,3 or 6, characterized in that it   includes control means (125, 127 and 130) for said control means (lb-23b), said control means being dependent on the longitudinal position of said sheet (102) on said conveyor means (107).   13 - Apparatus according to any one of   claims 1,2,3 or 7, characterized in that   said contactors (la-23a) can pivot about an axis (113) which is adapted to be arranged closely adjacent and parallel to the line creasing (110) said sheet.   14 - Apparatus according to any one of   Claims 1,2,3 or 7, characterized in that:   a) said contactors include freewheel rollers (la-23a), b) said control means comprises cams (lb-23b) mounted on a camshaft (109) and connected to said contactors, c) and means ( 108) to rotate said camshaft.   - Apparatus according to any one of   Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises   the following combination: a) a conveyor means (107) for moving a said sheet in a generally longitudinal path in a direction going from upstream to downstream, b) a sheet contacting means including several contactors (la-23a) arranged along said conveyor means for engaging and folding said sheet, c) said movable conveyors having "rest" positions and further having "maximum" positions spaced from said rest positions, d) control means (lb-23b) for moving said contactors between said rest positions and said maximum positions, e) the contactors being arranged so as to form an upstream sheet feeder contactor assembly (121) having a longitudinal extent at least equal to the length of said sheet , so as to have at least one downstream contactor assembly (122, 123)   f) the contactors (la-6a) of said load assembly having a common angular rest position for receiving a moving sheet from a device located upstream, g) said control means forming a means (lb-6b) for moving said last mentioned contactors (la6a) simultaneously from their common rest positions to a position corresponding to the rest position of the immediately succeeding contactor   (7a) downstream of said supply assembly.   16 - Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized by: a) a downstream contactor assembly comprising a leaf removal contactor assembly (123), b) the contactors (18a-23a) of said removal assembly having a common maximum angular position for removing a sheet moving downstream, c) said maximum common angular position corresponding to the maximum folding angle in a such sheet.   17 - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises in combination: a) a conveyor means (107) for moving said sheet in a generally longitudinal path in a direction from upstream to downstream, b) the sheet contacting means including several contactors (la-23a) arranged along said conveyor means for engaging and folding said sheet, c) said contactors being able to turn and having "rest" positions and also having "maximum" positions arranged in arc relative to said rest positions, and the arc distance between said rest positions and said maximum positions defining a change in angle, d) control means (lb-23b) for pivoting said contactors between said position rest and maximum position, e) said contactors being arranged so as to form: (1) a set of upstream sheet contactors (121) having upstream contactors (la-6a), and (2) a set of contactors of fe downstream cells (123) having downstream contactors (18a-23a), f) said upstream contactors having: (1) a common angular rest position, (2) a progressive increase downstream of the maximum angular position, and (3) a gradually increasing angle change downstream, g) and said downstream contactors having: (1) a progressive increase downstream of the rest positions, (2) a constant maximum angular position, and (3) decreasing angle change gradually downstream.   18 - Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the gradually decreasing angle change downstream of said downstream contactors ((18a-23a) generally corresponds inversely to the gradually increasing angle change towards   the downstream of said upstream contactors (la-6a).   19 - Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it comprises: a) an intermediate sheet contactor assembly (122) having intermediate contactors (7a-17a) disposed between said contactors upstream and downstream, b) said intermediate contactors having: (1) a progressive increase downstream of the rest positions, (2) a progressive increase downstream of the maximum angular position, and (3) a constant change of angle of the roller.